"We've been able to fill shifts. We haven't had any miscalls. So the program is working," he said.

But the plan is temporary, he said, predicting it would last six to nine months. The last time volunteers were paid was more than four years ago.

Weimels declined to disclose the pay rate. The association receives its money by sending out donation requests annually to all Newtown residents shortly after Thanksgiving.

Weimels said the problem started when about four college students who volunteered for day shifts left after the summer. Then other volunteers had to stop helping out during the day because of schedule changes in their regular jobs.

The Newtown Volunteer Ambulance Corps is working on a recruitment plan for more volunteers, Weimels said.

Several volunteers referred all questions to corps chief
Liz Cain
. Cain did not return several phone messages.